IndyCar's Palou testing with McLaren in Budapest

Fresh from his win in last weekend's IndyCar race in the streets Detroit, McLaren F1 reserve Alex Palou was up and running with team papaya at the Hungaroring on Thursday.

The test marks the 2021 IndyCar champion's fourth outing with McLaren, having previously driven the Woking-based outfit's 2021 MCL35M in Barcelona and at Spielberg last year.

©McLaren

The 26-year-old Spaniard also took part in a free practice session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.

Palou was initially signed up to Arrow McLaren's IndyCar outfit for 2023, but the validity of that contract was disputed by his employer Chip Ganassi Racing.

Read also: Perfect Palou comes out on top in Detroit street fight

Eventually, both parties agreed to settle their differences, with Palou remaining with CGR in IndyCar but fulfilling an official reserve driver role with McLaren in Formula 1 on non-clashing race weekends.

Should McLaren require a substitute on weekends when Palou is committed to IndyCar, the team also has access to Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher and Aston Martin subs Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.